general problems of the 2001 Chrysler 300M

Backing out of a parking stall I heard something pop then I couldn't turn left or right I could only go up or back so I was stuck in the middle of the parking lot had t o get towed steering wheel just kept turning.

The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler 300m. While driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle began to pull to the left without intent. The failure recurred whenever the vehicle was in motion and would also pull to the right sporadically. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who informed the contact that the power steering rack would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.

While driving, I experienced violent shaking which didn't correct until I reduced my speed to about 50mph. The issue persisted whenever I drove the highway, no matter the condition of the road over a week's time.

Chrysler 300m 2001, on 7/9/09 -car was seen and inspected for any trouble at a certified Chrysler dealership. Original estimate was $200, total work cost $1,871. Car released to us and we were told it was in perfect running condition. On 7/31/09 total loss of steering causing the car to turn and run up on sidewalk even though driver was attempting to turn opposite direction. Had vehicle towed and inspected by independent repair shop. Steering rod bolt had snapped causing loss of steering in both wheels. Estimated repair cost at $1,675. Chrysler dealer claims to have no knowledge of any problem concerning the steering on any 300m Chrysler.

I was stopped at a city intersection waiting to make a left turn. When traffic cleared, I attempted to make the left turn. I heard a clunk and the wheels did not turn. The steering wheel turned, but the tire wheels did not! I had no function except forward or reverse, so I was forced to drive into the curb in an attempt to get out of the way of oncoming traffic. I was not able to get safely off the roadway and my car blocked an entire lane of rush hour traffic which put me in a very dangerous situation. The police were called and a tow truck had to lift the car to move it out of the roadway. I was petrified. The car was towed as instructed by the police officer and is currently with the repair shop pending availability of a steering rack kit. The bolt to the rack was severed! there was no warning prior to this incident. Although I was not injured thanks to the slow speed I was traveling I am very concerned about others that may have this same experience when traveling at a higher speed and making a turn or exiting a highway off ramp. This is clearly a mechanical safety hazard and appears to be faulty workmanship in the automobile. My car is maintained regularly and I have never been advised by Chrysler to replace the steering rack. I have contacted the Chrysler customer assistance center (reference # 18030539), but they are of no assistance concerning this incident. Im shocked that there has not been a recall as research shows this is a recorded known deficiency in the workmanship.

Noise in front end, when turning steering wheel would catch and not return to normal position, steering wheel would not re-align properly.